In a call to unity and renewal, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, Acting National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), on Wednesday reaffirmed the party’s resolve to reclaim its place at the centre of Nigeria’s political leadership.
He made the declaration during his opening remarks at a high-powered Consultative Conference of the party’s founding fathers and key stakeholders, held at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja.
Addressing a hall filled with elder statesmen, party faithful, and loyalists from across the country, Damagum described the gathering as more than symbolic, saying it was a “reaffirmation that the People’s Democratic Party is alive, resolute, and focused.”
Reflecting on his personal journey in the PDP, Damagum paid homage to late party leader Alhaji Adamu Ciroma, who mentored him in his early political days.
The chairman also used the opportunity to honour the sacrifices of the party’s pioneer leaders, including Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Chief Solomon Lar, Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, General T.Y. Danjuma, and Professor Jerry Gana describing them as fearless advocates for democracy who risked everything to build a party rooted in national unity, democratic inclusion, and principled governance.
While extending an olive branch to aggrieved former members, Damagum emphasized that the PDP remains the party that gave many their first political platform, urging those who left to return and “rediscover themselves.”
He said, “This gathering is more than symbolic. It is a reaffirmation that the People’s Democratic Party is alive, resolute, and focused on reclaiming its rightful place at the centre of Nigeria’s political life.
“But first, we must honour the sacrifices of our party’s founding visionaries and we remember, with profound respect, the brave architects of our party’s foundation; Dr. Alex Ekwueme, whose moral courage and intellect led the G-34 in challenging military dictatorship; Chief Solomon Lar, our first National Chairman, whose bridge-building spirit united our diversities; Alhaji Adamu Ciroma, whose vision, discipline, and mentorship shaped a generation of leaders, including myself; Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, a fearless advocate for democratic governance, whose progressive politics and principled leadership gave voice to, and energized the grassroots; General T.Y. Danjuma, whose commitment to national unity remains unshakable; and of course, the Erudite Professor Jerry Gana, whose unflinching voice for justice and democracy continues to inspire us all. My list is by no means exhaustive, but I pay respect and homage to all our founding fathers.
“Indeed, our founding fathers stood firm for democracy at a time when it wasn’t popular, or even safe to do so. They endured intimidation, harassment, and in some cases, faced detention. Yet, they chose principle over comfort, and conviction over convenience.
“My dear Leaders, party faithfuls, ladies and gentlemen. The PDP was not born out of convenience. It was born out of necessity to dismantle authoritarianism and restore democratic governance. Since our historic founding in August 1998, the PDP’s journey has been marked by triumphs and trials. Like any living institution, we have faced internal rifts, betrayals, and moments of national disappointment.
“In 2013, we witnessed one of such fractures that shook us to our very core. A group of party leaders walked away from our party, seeking new alliances. Today, we witness yet another. But history reminds us that splinters may form, but they do not define the tree. Movements built on political expediency, collapse when confronted by lasting values.
“As a party, we do not respond to these challenges with bitterness, though they are often unpleasant. Instead, we rest in the assurance that the People’s Democratic Party remains the only political platform in Nigeria whose foundation was built on national consensus, democratic inclusion, and a clear vision for Nigeria’s future; to return power to the people!
“We are not easily shaken because our roots run deep. The PDP offers more than a political structure; it embodies ideological clarity, resilience of spirit, and the staying power to withstand and overcome turbulent winds.
“But we must also confront the hard truth, much of the injury the PDP has suffered has been self-inflicted. From the Obasanjo era to this moment, we have too often jettisoned ideology in favour of personal ambition. This has cost us dearly. Yet, there is still a beauty that exists only in the PDP; our founding vision, our commitment to internal democracy, our enduring mechanisms for dialogue and reconciliation, and our true national outlook. These are not ordinary attributes. They are the very pillars that made and have sustained the PDP as the bedrock of Nigeria’s democratic journey, and they remain our guiding strength today.
” However, let it be said and known that our doors remain open to those who wish to return, and it is my earnest prayers that in their return, they may rediscover themselves. After all, we are still the party that gave many their first political home.
” Again, Leaders, Ladies and Gentlemen, we must not lose sight of the bigger picture. The People’s Democratic Party was never conceived as a mere vehicle for political ambition; it was born out of a national crisis of conscience. When the late Chief Bola Ige famously described Nigeria’s political parties as “five fingers of a leprous hand,” it was a damning indictment of their indistinguishable emptiness. The PDP then emerged to offer the nation a credible alternative rooted in principle, moral and ideological clarity, and broad-based national consensus. And indeed, at that critical moment in our history, the PDP rescued Nigeria from a bleak fate.
” Today, again, Nigeria is in dire need of direction. Our democratic values are under strain, the cost of living crushes our people, the younger generation is losing faith in leadership and the economy continues to suffer in depressing stagnancy. In this moment, as in times past, the PDP must rise as a vessel of real hope and a voice of reason.
“This conference is therefore not a formality but a strategic reckoning. It allows us to realign with our core values of discipline, loyalty, inclusive governance, and policy-driven leadership. We have spent too much time trying to reconcile. Now, we must truly do it; and move forward.
“Let us draw renewed strength and purpose from the wisdom of our founding fathers gathered here today. Let us leave this hall not merely with speeches, but as sons and daughters who have been guided, corrected, and inspired by their elders; resolved to rebuild our party and reclaim our national mandate, with the ultimate goal of healing and rebuilding a nation that has been badly beaten and deeply fractured.
“I hereby thank every party member for standing firm. I honour our founding fathers for their sacrifices that still light our path. And I give you this assurance, that under your guidance, and with the determination of millions of our loyal members across the country, we will not fail. We will rise to the challenge. And yes, the centre will hold again.
“To our members, remain resilient, our past has proven that self-inflicted wounds can be healed. If we return to our core, and rise above personal interest, there remains a bright and redemptive future for the PDP, and for Nigeria.”
